Brazil … beyond Rio

ALL eyes (except mine) are currently on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city. But while #Rio is the focus of the world’s attention over the coming weeks, other parts of the country will also be taking part in the #OlympicGames, with cities such as Manaus, Salvador, and Sao Paulo hosting football matches.

Escape Travel Card has published a list of the top five most popular cities after Rio for travellers to visit, based on its customer data.

Joanne Briggs from Escape, says: ‘While Rio might be the most-visited city in the Southern Hemisphere (with the tourist numbers to prove it), there are many other cities worth a stay for those planning a trip to #Brazil. Even if you’re not able to make it during the games themselves, Brazil is one of the most exciting and diverse countries in the world. Its cities fuse African, Portuguese, and even Japanese culture, and offer great food and breathtaking beaches. While the country itself is huge, there are regular internal flights, which mean travellers can easily take in all the country has to offer.

‘During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, we saw a 200 percent increase in spend across the country and we’re expecting to see a similar level of uplift this August when Brits head to support Team GB.”

Escape Travel Card’s guide to Brazil’s most popular cities 

1. Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo has 20 million residents, or Paulistanos. While Rio has traditionally stolen the limelight from Sampa, as it’s affectionately known, Sao Paulo has plenty to offer the traveller. It’s a world-renowned foodie haven full of smart bistros and gourmet restaurants, has the largest community of people of Japanese descent outside Japan and the largest population of Italian descendants outside Italy. Neighbourhoods such as bohemian Vila Madalena are full of galleries, alternative stores, bars, and cafes.

2. Salvador

Home to the original and biggest carnival in the world, in the days just before Lent (officially carnival time across the country) four million people hit Salvador’s streets to dance to the biggest names in Brazilian music. The city’s old town quarter is a UNESCO world heritage site.

3. Recife

Recife and neighbouring port town, Olinda, offer the best of glitzy city living and colonial charm. Recife’s canals, rivers, and bridges and its resemblance to European cities mean it’s often referred to as the ‘Venice of Brazil’. For a break from Recife’s shimmering towers and buzzing nightlife, many travellers take the short trip to Olinda, one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial towns.

4. Manaus

Deep in the Amazon, Manaus will host six football matches during the games at the 43,100 capacity Amazônia Arena. While there’s not much to keep visitors in the city, it’s the jumping off point for river cruises along the Amazon or trips to one of the region’s many jungle lodges.

5. Florianopolis

Thanks to its 42 beaches and high quality of life, southern city Florianopolis is one of the most visited places in Brazil and a popular location for second homes for Europeans. Most travellers base themselves at Lagoa da Conceição (Lagoon of Conceição) thanks to its high concentration of bars, restaurants, and shops.

Surrounded by mountains, the lagoon is a natural base for sports such as kite surfing, paragliding, and trekking.

www.escapetravelcard.com

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